Linen Woven Border Dress for Kaitlyn

Remember when it was time to transition from a college student wardrobe to a professional wardrobe? Well, that time is now for Kaitlyn, as she will be student teaching next semester. One day Kaitlyn asked about some of the clothes I made and one thing led to another and now she is getting some mom-made garments. First thing was types of fabrics and what I would make with them. That discussion lead to this Mood Fabrics’ Ralph Lauren Denim Blue Linen Woven Border Print, which I am sorry to say is sold out. This fabric is fabulous and so fun. Some other choices are these Mood Fabrics’ Linen Wovens or these Mood Fabrics’ Border Prints

We spent some time looking at dress patterns, her favorite thing to wear. I believe it is the ease of grabbing that one garment and you are ready to go! My request was for no princess seams, too much seam matching, sorry, you should see the list of garments she wants! I am just saving myself some time. Also, I wanted something that was fitted but didn’t have to be over fitted to her body. We both agreed on Kwik Sew 4154, in the straight skirt version. This pattern was perfect, waist darts on the skirt, gathers on the bodice and the tie belt to add waist definition.

The fabric is the star in this dress, I love the combination of the border print and the design for the rest of the yardage. One thing on this border print, the border is very long, so I was careful when laying out the pattern to keep the proportions in a good ratio. Another consideration was to have enough fabric for the print for the bodice and the sleeves. I just squeezed those pieces out. My only choice for the tie belt was the border print and I am so happy that was my choice. The facings for the dress are also the border print. I didn’t match the center front seam, it was just too tight on the fabric but I think with the print it isn’t too noticeable.

As always Kwik Sew instructions are fabulous, why don’t I sew more of these patterns? I am not sure but I am going to look at their selection more often. The front bodice has a center front seam and the seam is used to sew the facing in place, making it easy and “Kwik”.

Kaitlyn is married and lives one hour away but fitting is no problem, her identical twin, Meredith lives at home this semester. I would have Meredith try on the dress occasionally to check the fit. For the sizing, I split the difference between a small and a medium for the side seams and center back/front seams. The shoulder, arms and neck are a small. I am quite pleased with the way the dress fits Kaitlyn. I have to share this photo, Kaitlyn has a dimple and that was how people would tell the girls apart when they were little. At times you really had to work at it to get Kaitlyn to show you that dimple

The back of the dress has a full zipper, which I used an invisible zipper and the skirt has a back vent.

I so love the way this dress turned out, the fabric was perfect for the design and the print makes it look 21 year old fun.

Kaitlyn can add a cute cardigan and make the dress move into colder temps. There is one thing I know for sure, these shoes will not be worn in her classroom, not comfortable enough.

Linen Woven Border Dress for Kaitlyn was last modified: April 7th, 2017 by Girls in the Garden